Candidate: Robert Moates

Part Affiliation: Non-Partisan

Age: 40

Hometown: Manatee County

Residence: Bradenton

Occupation: Government and economics teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School 

Education: B.A. in Political Science and Business Communication, Florida State University (1996)

Before teaching at Lakewood Ranch High School, Robert Moates, candidate for Manatee County School Board District 2, worked alongside Congressman Dan Miller (R-13 Florida) in the United States House of Representatives. He also became involved with different positions around the Florida Legislature during his time spent in Washington. Having received the second most votes in the August election, Moates will now compete in a runoff election with Dave "Watchdog" Miner on the November ballot.

Moates left politics behind ten years ago to pursue teaching, and referred to it as his “best job.” Moates teaches advanced placement government and honors economics classes at Lakewood Ranch High School and also coaches the Varsity baseball team. However, he now believes it is his responsibility to assume a leadership role in the community’s shift toward “a new direction.”

“I am running for school board because I believe we need new people in charge in order to change the direction of our educational system,” Moates said. “We need accountability in the classroom and accountability downtown if we are to deliver on the promise of a high quality education our children deserve.”

The Home Builders Association (HBA) Manatee-Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA) have both endorsed Moates. “I am so proud of these recent endorsements,” said Moates. “It is such an honor to be recognized and supported by two organizations that contribute so much to our community. I look forward to serving the citizens of Manatee County together.”

see also:

Moates Wants to Take Broad Base of Experience to School Board